Making a Diagnosis

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine are very old. The written record for this medicine goes back more than 2,500 years, with the oldest texts recording a theory that was already advanced in its philosophy. Presumably, there were even older texts that didn't survive into modern times, predated by a long history of oral tradition. This means that Chinese medicine is older than the modern theories of science, blood chemistry, and microbiology. It is also older than imaging technologies like ultrasound, x-rays, and MRIs. So how did this medicine develop a system of diagnosis? Through the interview process and a logical and systematic interpretation of outward symptoms. The basic idea is that any one part of the body will reflect the health of the whole and that outer, more superficial symptoms reflect deeper imbalances in the internal organs. Because our pulse, tongue, and face are particularly individualized and dynamic, they are the most important areas of focus for diagnosis.

Observation - How Your Outward Appearance Reflects Your Inner Health

This is one of the most important aspects of diagnosis in Chinese medicine and can reveal many things, from structural issues to your general energy level and emotional state. Observing how you walk, for example, can show how your posture is off balance or if certain areas are contracted. The health of your skin, hair, and nails, the color and condition of your complexion, the appearance of your eyes, and so many other things can all give important information about your overall health. In Chinese medicine, the two most important examples of observation are facial diagnosis and tongue diagnosis.

Chinese Pulse Diagnosis

Palpation - The Pulse and More

If you come in complaining of pain and the tissue in that area is warm or hot to the touch, then there is probably some inflammation. If the tissue feels cold, there may be a lack of nourishment or circulation. Palpation of the abdomen can give information about what is going on with the internal organs. For those who are familiar with the location of the acupuncture points, indicators at these points, like muscle knots, can help determine which channels or internal organs are involved. Another very important part of palpation is in the reading of the pulse which, in Chinese medicine, is evaluated not just for its speed and regularity but for qualities like force, tension, and depth.

Listening - The Incredible Value of the Interview Process

I spend a lot of time interviewing my patients. This process not only helps me clarify what your chief complaint is but reveals other information such as in the emotional tone of your voice. If you have pain, I will treat it differently depending on how you describe the nature of that pain. For those of you who come in with chronic conditions, general questions about all of your body's systems and functions are invaluable in helping me put things into the bigger context of your overall health, identifying what the deeper issues may be. I generally ask my patients questions about their chief complaint and related symptoms, and may also ask about many other things such as their general medical history, medications, current lifestyle and diet, family medical history, exercise regiment, sleep, immunity, appetite, digestion, urination, menstrual cycle, reproductive health, circulation, energy levels, respiratory health, mental function, sensory organs, physical pains, and emotional balance. I strongly believe that a thorough interview leads to a better diagnosis and a more effective treatment.

Chinese Tongue Diagnosis